Call to think of new mothers and give blood

As Mother’s Day approaches, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is highlighting how donated blood is often used to help new mums and their babies.

Around six per cent of blood used in hospitals is for maternity care, so people from the local area are being urged to think about new mums and their babies around Mother’s Day and make a date to give blood.

NHS Blood and Transplant’s lead donor relations manager for the Yorkshire and the North area, Donna Batty, said: “Here at NHS Blood and Transplant, we are regularly contacted by grateful young mothers who owe their lives to blood donors after receiving transfusions during childbirth. So rest assured, you really can make a difference and help to save a life simply by going along to a local session.”

Anyone aged between 17-65, weighing more than 50 kg (7st 12lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor. There is no upper age limit for donors who have donated in the last two years.

For more information, to find a local blood donation session and to book an appointment, call 0300 123 2323 or visit blood.co.uk.